In the last 50 years I have enjoyed cycling Oxfordshire’s roads that take in beautiful countryside and idyllic villages near Oxford, and around the city itself. Unfortunately, in recent times, I seem to spend more time avoiding the numerous potholes than taking in the stunning scenery.

I have come to the conclusion that Oxfordshire roads are in the worst condition in my living memory.

These potholes put bike riders, in particular, at significant risk. They cause cyclists to swerve into the carriageway, potentially into the path of an oncoming vehicle, or can easily damage a wheel and cause a rider to crash.

Nationally, potholes are cited as a causal factor in between 10 and 15% of cycling incidents.

We all know that there are many competing needs for County Council funds at this time.

Despite the pledge of £1million for road repairs in April, road maintenance budgets have been decreasing; the council is due to spend less over the next two years than it did between 2014 and 2016 (although this spend is slightly higher than 2010 – 2014).

The other thing to note is that funding levels over the last 25 years have been such that roads are able to be rebuilt approximately every 255 years on average, as opposed to the optimal 40 years.

As a result the county is experiencing a significant increase in potholes. This means that ensuring the council targets the worst affected areas is more important than ever.

Road users may be aware that there is a clever reporting process for road defects using an app called FixMyStreet.

People already use this to report individual potholes, mainly when they have caused damage to a car or bike, or have scared the rider.

But if I reported all the potholes I swerve to avoid it would spoil my rides, so as yet I haven’t used FixMyStreet.

That’s why it makes sense to have a blitz, and share the task of reporting these potholes to the council.

Cyclox, the voice of cycling in Oxford, is calling bike riders and clubs in the county to take part in the ‘Tour de Potholes’ event on Sunday 14 August, from 10am to 1pm.

If enough of us come out and log defects on our favourite ride or commute, this will give the County Council a sense of how many dangerous road defects there are, and how hacked off bike riders are about them.

This new evidence might assist the County to procure more funds for road repairs.

It also means that should you be unlucky enough to have an injury as a result of a pothole then the council is more likely to be held liable.

The reporting period for the event is between Sat 13 and Tuesday 16 August, in case people can’t make it for the main event.

The app requires a smart phone, but alternatively bike riders can take down details of each pothole and upload them to FixMyStreet afterwards, using a computer.

If you are considering taking part, please see important instructions for the event and safety advice, on the Cyclox website www.cyclox.org.

Afterwards there will be a get together to look at the results and have a discussion about the Council’s policy on road repairs and their budget for this. This event will be on Tues, 23 Aug, 7.30, St Michael's in the Northgate, Oxford www.cyclestreets.net/journey/to/OX1+3EY/St+Michael+in+Northgate/.

Allie Noel